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Sabaton Open Air: Day 1 – Wednesday

Posted in Concerts, Music with tags sabaton open air on August 16, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, finally the time was here to get to the last “major” festival this year – Sabaton Open Air. Due to having my friends arrive already on Monday, I decided to get there as early as possible, which would be Wednesday. Delay after Delay made my arrival later than I had expected it – but hey – I made it there, somehow.

Apparently, this was all encountered with issues. Firstly, the parking only offered a pay system I do not use, which means I had to call my mother, who had to make the payment, then go to a electronics store to get help to get a picture of the phone so she could send it to me so I could prove to them I had paid parking. What is so fucking difficult with using cash…? This is a big no no for me that parking is 1. Not able to be pre-purchased, and secondly, only option while at the parking is by Swish. A big no no.

Secondly, since I had my ticket arranged for me beforehand, all I needed was to pick up a camping ticket, which as informed you are supposed to be able to do once there. But this was issues as well. I had to buy it from the website, because for God knows what reason, they could not sell camping tickets at the booth until the next morning. And I could not buy it online – because I had withdrawn all my money to pay for the camping upfront. Ironic, isn’t it? I was lucky as hell though – a gentleman from Germany has accidently purchased a camping ticket which he didn’t need, so we solved it as such that I bought the camping off him, making everything correct in their systems.

After that, I met up with Sjorven and we headed down to Falun to have some, well, it was supposed to be lunch but by this time it had turned into dinner. Dinner means Subway by the river, and it was nice to catch up. We headed back to festival grounds where we put up the tent and then off to see the first band of the evening for me, Mark Zero. – I will let you know something – I did forget my camera at home, as it seems, and because of that, only phone images will happen.

They put on a really good show – the little tent they played in, the bar tent which held the pre-party that this wednesday was, and the tent was packed. Happy to see!

I was introduced to some of Sjorvens friends as we waited for Brothers of Metal to begin.

Brothers of Metal

So this is a band I wound up seeing by accident on Sabaton Open Air last year, and I loved them. So I was looking forward seeing them again, and so was a lot of people.

They put on a really good show – as I expected, and I’m glad I came early, even if it only was to see this band perform.

After BOM I will admit that I headed straight for bed. It has been a long day, and tomorrow was set to be an even longer day.

// Sara

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Time is on Our Side

Posted in Music, Uncategorized on August 12, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

After three years of silence, and a guitarist “change”, H.E.A.T has finally broken the silence and released a new single from their upcoming album “Into The Great Unknown” which is set to be released on September 22nd, it’s moving pretty fast!

As you might remember, Eric Rivers decided to leave the band earlier, and was replaced by previous H.E.A.T guitarist Dave Dalone. Ironically, Dave was always my favorite member, so it’s an interesting situation to end up in. From my side, I mean.

So, they released their new single the other day – “Time is on our Side”. The artwork itself for the album is a bit different from what we know from H.E.A.T, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but of course it makes you a bit… nervous, should I put it that way? I mean, we all remember what Dynazty did.

So, this is the song. I’m a bit torn between it. I really like the verses, not as much a fan of the choruses. And it’s something in the arrangements or production of the verses that I don’t really like either, the plinkiplonki in the background… Perhaps it’ll grow on me.

I do find the lyrics facinating though. I can’t help but feel that this song could be written to Eric Rivers, at least him is what I think about when I hear it. Aside from that, I am as in love with Erik’s vocal works as I have always been.

I’m looking, very nervously, forward to the album.

// Sara

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Wacken Open Air: Friday (Part 3)

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized on August 4, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

Friday! Today I did have a few bands I wanted to see – some of these even being one major reason I went here in the first place.

But, first there is something else to talk about. I got up in the morning, went and got my daily breakfast and everything, and I get a notification of my Wacken app about this one band I had favorited, but I figured I wouldn’t see until Thomas blurts out “Anyone wanna go see Evil Scarecrow”? and I was like “YES!” so, essentially, off we went.

And I am very, very very thankful and happy that we did.

Evil Scarecrow

As someone who knows nothing about this band and knew nothing about them prior to this show, we were quite taken aback with this band. The aliens. Link. The robots and not to mention – “CRABULON”.

A big crab robot that made the crowd go from one side to the other while doing crab claws. This stuck. Quite a lot with me and Thomas. So much that “Crabulon” is in fact our official song now. And this show… well what can I say? It was amazing. It blew our minds, especially since it wasn’t just fun, it was really good musically too!

After Evil Scarecrow, we headed off to some CD stores in order to pick up Kissin’ Dynamites album. Since I had decided so last minute, I had no way of actually obtaining the CD prior to going here. I had hoped to find the vinyl or a vinyl, but I had to settle with the CD. No harm done really.

He headed off to the campgrounds, and I went back to Headbangers Stage to see one of the bands that brought me to this fest in the first place.

Kissin’ Dynamite

Right on time they opened their set with “Highlight Zone”, and I was stunned to see the stage being packed. Not that I don’t think of them as a big band, just that they were put on one of the smaller stages, making me assume they were perhaps not THAT recognized, but they sure were. Happy to see! And the reception for them from the crowd was really good, on top of that.

I did sadly not keep track of the setlist, and the setlists I find online I know are wrong, so I can’t give you a detailed set update sadly (I will improve!) but the show was really good – They had even gotten a dancer for “She Came, She Saw”, which I thought was pretty cool. It was so unusual to see as I have for most parts left the sleaze scene behind, but it was a nice touch, really.

The band delivered very well and it was a well enjoyable show.

After the show, I headed off to the signing session to get my copy of “Generation Goodbye” signed, which went fast, easy and smooth. Don’t get me wrong – it’s fun to meet the bands but when it comes to signing sessions I prefer to make them quick, so as many as possible can make it through.

After this, I went back to the campgrounds for a little while to hang out in the camp – I think I’ve mentioned it before, but seriously, this camp is dope. The people – amazing. Later on, Thomas and I headed off to Wackinger Village to catch Skalmöld

Skalmöld

I must admit I missed out on a bit of the start, as I had to get something to eat. We had met up with Jörgen in the village who had gotten himself a meatstick, I myself was craving crepes so, said and done. After that, we watched the band.

I’ve seen this band once before as supportband for Epica earlier this year, and they put on a good show and set actually. I don’t know much about them, sadly, but I enjoyed this set as much as the last one really.

After Skalmöld I had a big decision to make. To go see Marilyn Manson, or see Turbonegro. I’m equally as small of a fan for either, but I remember really enjoying the past two Manson shows I saw, one of them being as recent as 2015, and Turbonegro I didn’t even remember the two shows I saw – so I decided to see Marilyn Manson.

Marilyn Manson

And what can I say other than for future notice to myself – if Marilyn Manson ever place the same spot as a another band I like a little, I will always go for the other band. Going to Marilyn Manson was the biggest mistake of my life.

I do not possess his most recent album, and perhaps this is why I didn’t get that show – I’ll give him that much of credit, but for the first time in my life I’ve found myself leave the audience ground and sit down in a nearby house because it was so utterly boring. I saw the lights from Turbonegros stage, but I reckoned I wouldn’t really make it there in time anyway, so I remained put at what has gone down in history as the most boring concert I have ever seen in my entire life.

Manson was doing fine – Like, he was singing fine and the band was doing good, but damn I could not take this. I should have gone for Turbonegro. Because that would at least have been fun. Oh damn.

Kryptos

After Manson, I headed back to the tent to catch another interesting band of mine – Kryptos. You might remember that I wrote about them earlier this year when they released their new album, and I was glad to see them on the bill for Wacken. But that playtime – 2.25 – 03.00. That is the latest I have ever watched a band played, and had it been like any other band I would have skipped. But not this one. Because who the hell knows when they will come back.

For being such a late night, there were a group of brave metalheads there, a big group actually. Kryptos is a very classic heavy metal band, which made this a very… Like, I can’t put my finger on the feeling. It’s the same feeling I had as when listening to their album – you are sent back to the 80’s, in a basement with your friends, beer and a taperecorder just partying. And I like that.

The crowd was good too – large moshpits, and people just being into it. I’m really glad. And I’m so glad I got to see this band perform live.

After their show, I FINALLY headed back to the camp to get my well deserved sleep. Tomorrow, Saturday, was going to be a heavy day for me.

// Sara

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Wacken Open Air: Thursday (Part 2)

Posted in Concerts, Music, Travels, Uncategorized with tags accept, wacken on August 3, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

Alrighty! Time for the first official day of the festival, at least for me anyway. It was in fact only one band on the billing I cared to see – which is Accept. So I spent most of the day exploring the area and in the camp. How exciting huh? And it actually was.

For the first time in a very long time, I had a good camp. A camp where you woke up with a smile on your face every day, and you know you’d be sore from all the laughing that was taken place. After all, to begin with, it’s me and Thomas together in one spot. And the rest of the crew – Jörgen, Jonathan, Johan, Mina, René, Anja, Martin, Nicolai, Maria and Sandra made it even better. Because that’s what camps are for, right?

Funny thing. Maria and I went to go shower and pick up food for her. The showers at Wacken are for free, and they are WARM. Unlike the pay-per-shower at Sweden Rock which is cold. Right after we got out, towels on our heads and everything, we felt a few drips come down so we decided to go inside the food tent in order to put on our ponchos.

And just as we got in, the rainstorm from hell broke lose. It was an absolute disaster, and despite standing long inside the food court, we still could feel some of it. We waited out the rain, got food for Maria and then headed back to the camp only to find that one of our partytents had given up and died. But apparently it had been quite the fight to keep it up.

It cleared up, gladly, so we could sit down and enjoy ourselves before we headed inside to catch a bit of Status Quo. After Status Quo, I went over to Accept to catch them.

Accept

As you know, Accept is a band I only very recently started to grow fond of, thanks to the Sabaton tour. I was really excited to see them, and the response from the audience was massive. I was actually far, far in the back because you know, PEOPLE! But it was amazing to see them nonetheless.

What I had missed out on though, was the use of the orchestra. I guess I should check these things out better in the future, but it was quite interesting to see them perform with an orchestra on stage, and “Princess of the Dawn” just became even better with the orchestra.

The show lasted for two hours, and it was two well enjoyable hours. Thank you Accept, for a great evening!

After Accept I headed off to the merchandise to pick up some rainboots. The mud had really done the work with my militaryboots, and I simply gave up. So I got myself a nice pair of Wacken rain boots. Handy, huh?

Got back to the camp and hung out for a little while before I crashed in bed. It had been an exhausting day, despite the little activity.

TO BE CONTINUED

// Sara

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July in Music

Posted in Music, Uncategorized on August 1, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, let’s go for July in Music, shall we? This one is actually a bit different.

5. Sabaton

Sabaton has been dethroned, and we find them down on fifth place. But of course, still going strong!

4. Lordi

Lordi is found on fourth place, which isn’t too big of a surprise in all honesty.

3. Art Nation

The golden boys and girl in Art Nation are staying in the top on third place – and I sense that both Lordi and Art Nation are staying in the top because of Vicious Rock Festival.

2. Eläkeläiset

So this is a funny on. Eläkeläiset is a partyband from Finland which makes covers of songs in the style of humppa. On their most recent release they got both Battle Beast and Lordi featured – and this is why it’s ticking up.

1. Ed Sheeran

My current obsession with “Galway Girl” and “Castle on the Hill” has brought Ed Sheeran to the top of the list for July, which isn’t so weird. “Divide” has gone warm here at home like insane. So no surprise, to be honest.

So, that was artists and bands, lets move on to top albums.

5. Liberation – Art Nation

No wonder in all honesty – I’m completely stuck on “Liberation” as far as Art Nation goes at the very moment. I love “Revolution”, but it’s something with the new material that you simply get stuck on.

4. The Last Stand – Sabaton

It seems that it’s always the most recent releases that gets the most plays. But this is also one killer album, so it’s not exactly weird, if you ask me.

3. Bringer of Pain – Battle Beast

Despite not making the top 5 of artists, Battle Beast still hold on with their amazing newest release. Always the new one?

2. Monstereophonic – Lordi

I guess it is somewhat the same as with Art Nation – you love the old material, but for a certain period of time you just get stuck on the new one. We had this thesis, that it’s for rehearsalreasons. To learn the new material. Oh well. It’s a killer album.

1. Divide – Ed Sheeran

No surprise – if Ed Sheeran is my most played artists, it’s not odd that his album also counts up as the most played album of the month. It’s a killer album.

And lastly, the top five songs.

1. Kamferdrops – Jag trodde änglarna fanns
2. Ed Sheeran – Galway Girl
3. Eläkeläiset – Humppapeto
4. AS IT IS – Dial Tones
5. Eläkeläiset – Humppamuoti

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Vicious Rock Festival, Trollhättan 8/7-17

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags art nation, lordi, vicious rock festival on July 8, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

On it again. It appears, there’s barely any rest for me what so ever when it comes to festivals. And honestly though, why would it be? And especially so when Lordi’s on the bill. We got to Trollhättan the day before in order to get there in time, get settled and basically get to relax. Sjorven was coming from Belgium, so it was either the day before or waay too late. It was a nice evening of dinner and catching up, and getting ready for the day to come. Oh by the way. I think I have officially had the smallest hotelroom yet. It was basically just a bed! Haha!

We were actually a bit lazy, which I always tend to be when I’m attending something where only one or two bands excite me. We got up fairly late, went to MAX for a change (at least for me) and had lunch / dinner before walking down to the area. Time optimist as I am, we of course did not get there an hour before Art Nation started, rather ten minutes. But hey – at least we weren’t late! That must count for something, no?

Art Nation

Art Nation bravely went on stage for the approximately 20 people that were in front of the stage. They opened, much like on Sweden Rock with “One Nation”, and quickly followed up with “Alive”. The newest single “The Real Me” was next, and I was happy to see they did, despite the thin crowd, have quite a few fans, that knew the songs and such. I like that.

“Need You to Understand” and “Kiss Up & Kick Down” followed suite, and the band… Was doing good. You know, considering the circumstances. I can imagine it’s hard to really get anywhere when the crowd is… fairly small.

“Paralyzed” and “Don’t Wait for Salvation” was next, followed by “Start a Fire” until they finally wrapped up with “All In” and “Ghost Town”.

Given the circumstances, it was a very very good show. I still think some of the member might have to get a bit more comfortable in their own skin, but I reckon that comes with time.

After that, we planned to stay in front of the stage for the rest of the day, but pretty soon we figured that, yeah, we are not going to have to do that, so we wandered about the little place that was the festival area, checking out the practically non-existing merch and shopping booths. We did get some patches, though!

We lazily watched Chris Holmes and whatever band was really playing, and it wasn’t until after that (meaning it was just Sator and then Lordi) we claimed our spots at the barrier. And then the wait began… and then… You know.

Lordi

Sjorven is a first timer. He’s never ever seen Lordi before, not even being NEAR seeing Lordi before. So he’s a first timer. So I told him – you know it will start when “God of Thunder” starts. Much like “In The Army” with Sabaton. So imagine my confusion, when what started echoing from the speakers was in fact “SCGVIII: The Opening Scene”. I got dumbfounded and I was just like “what”. Wasn’t exactly prepared.

After Mana and NALLE (!) had gone on stage, Skeletor came out and “Let’s Go Slaugther He-Man” was set off. The crowd was pretty thick actually – I liked that. A lot. But sadly… Yeah. It is like it with Lordi, let me leave it at that. “The Riff” was next on the list, followed by, already as the third song, the song I was the most exicted about for the evening – “Demonarchy”.

Never in my life did I think I’d get to witness “Demonarchy” live, at least not like this. At least not this soon. I knew they spoke of some, potential, probable special show, but aside that, we all thought and felt that as far as the “Demonarchy” side goes, we are all screwed. But apparently not. And it was absolutely dreamy live. I love this song so much, do you understand? OX’s bassolo together with “Bite it Like a Bulldog” was next on the list, and then “It Snows In Hell / Children of the Night”. Upside down never gets old. Well at least not for me. I was a bit worried the guards wouldn’t let me do it, but we always manage to persuade them. One way or another.

“Hug You Hardcore” was next on the list, and then a bloody return of “Sincerely With Love”. Like, I really did not miss this song, and I remember I just turned to Sjorven shaking my head like “why is this back?” Oh well. If they like it! And then, the second surprise for the night.

“Sick Flick”.

I’m pretty sure this song was the most wished for song ever since like, “Icon of Dominance”, and finally they are doing! And it was absolutely amazing. “Nailed by the Hammer of Frankenstein” was next, this song I DID miss on the other hand, so good one. The set was then wrapped up by the big three, if you like – “Blood Red Sandman”, “Hard Rock Hallelujah” and “Devil is a Loser”. And of course, encores in the shape of “Who’s Your Daddy” and “Would you Love a Monsterman?”.

The monsters thanked for the evening, and walked off the stage. The show was really good, like really good. Hello, “Demonarchy”? And it was good to see Nalle in action. I guess you could say I “missed out” on him last time around, and even if I miss Hella, (where the hell is the women?!) it was really good to see him.

Thank you!

After the show, we lazily watched Niefelheim before buying popcorn and walking back home to the hotel.

Thank you, Lordi, again for a great show. I love you always. Thanks to Art Nation and Sjorven as well for the festival!

// Sara

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June in Music

Posted in Music on July 1, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

Alright! It’s that time of the month again, where I go over the most played artists and such. So, let’s start with most played bands.

5. Art Nation

Art Nation, Sweden’s new stars I guess you could call them. You guys know I’ve been obsessed with this ban since I saw them at Skogsröjet a year ago, and since seeing them on Sweden Rock I’ve been really high on them. Seriously, they are like H.E.A.T – they can do no wrong.

4. Amaranthe

Good old favorites. I was really happy to see them on Tons of Rock again. I love this band – like, if I was ever in a metalband – this would be the one. No joke.

3. Delain

Long time no see with this band – I haven’t seen them since November last year, up until now when I saw them at Tons of Rock. Charlotte Wessels speaks my mind. I can’t… Like, it’s almost as if she saw into my head and took out all my feelings.

2. Alestorm

No surprise. “No Grave But the Sea” is really growing on me, or well, at least the For Dogs version. I can’t put my finger on why I find myself listening to specifically that version – I guess it’s soothing in a way.

1. Sabaton

No wonder that the Golden boys are on top, am I right? I wrote a couple of days ago about my love for this band, and I find it hard to put into words how much I love them, and how much they mean to me. But yes, the Carolus Rex show at Tons of Rock is probably a big reason they are number one.

Alright, let’s move onto Albums:

5. Carolus Rex – Sabaton

Very suspected. After all, prepping for the Carolus Show was real, you know? And this album… I’m not sure if it’s my favorite Sabaton album ever, however, it is the album I’m most proud of, if it makes sense?

4. Bringer of Pain – Battle Beast

Battle Beast’s newest album still holds on tight to the top, and it should – it’s a killer album.

3. Liberation – Art Nation

I guess I could use the same as above – This album is killer, and I’m just addicted.

2. Edge of Thorns – Savatage

It’s intersting of this album seem to always make the toplist, yet Savatage never makes the top bands. “Edge of Thorns” is my relax album. Like people would use Enya, I use Savatage. Isn’t it funny how certain bands just get certain positions?

1. No Grave But The Sea – Alestorm

It’s the dogs. I’m telling you.

And lastly, here’s the top ten songs of this month:

1. Take Me Home – Art Nation
2. Gott Mit Uns – Sabaton
3. The March To War – Sabaton
4. Lejonet Från Norden – Sabaton
5. As I Lay Me Down (Acoustic) – Wiktoria
6. Gates of Glory – Twilight Force
7. As I Lay Me Down – Wiktoria
8. By The Blood in Our Hearts – Running Wild
9. Rebels of Our Time – Majesty
10. Riders of the Dawn – Twilight Force

// Sara

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Attero Dominatus – Sabaton the love story.

Posted in Music, Uncategorized with tags sabaton on June 29, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

Ten years ago, on this exact day, June 29, after further inspection, my life changed forever. This marks the exact day I became a Sabaton fan. The location was Borlänge, more to be exact – The Peace & Love festival. Jocke spoke of how it was ironic a festival called “Peace” was inviting Sweden’s only band who sung about war to play, and this was also the day I figured out they were Swedish, by the way.

While this may not have been the first time I experienced Sabaton live, it was the day I became a fan.

A few weeks later I found “Attero Dominatus” in a supermarket, and on that path – From that album, onwards to Monsters of Mora it all went down. My first show as a Sabaton fan, and it became a night to remember. Peace & Love 2008 – where I denied every single sign of Sabaton actually playing.

Over the years I’ve watched this band grow. A band I once saw in smaller clubs, as supportband for bands like Lordi and HammerFall, to now witnessing them headline festivals like Sweden Rock and Graspop Metal Meeting. Witnessing the very first Rockstad: Falun back in 2008.

Metallsvenskan 2009. What a moment. Watching Sabaton play football against other bands, and then wrapping up with a nice show… These moments, you know?

Last year I saw Sabaton be included in Eurovision Song Contests montage of Swedish music exports, and I will not deny that tears were shed. This is a band that means so truly much to me, I cannot even put into words how much I love this band, or how PROUD I am of them. PROUD to see them grow like this, and I feel blessed to have been a part of the journey.

This is a band I’d walk through fire for. This is a band I’ve traveled down to the very south of Malmö to watch, jump on a last minute plane to Luleå up in the North – I’ve seen them in and out of Sweden, and I’d walk a 1000 miles, ten times over for this band.

So far, I’ve seen this band 24 times. And trust me, there’s going to be many, many, many more. This band has become one of the most important things in my life, almost like the air I breathe.

Sabaton, I love you. Since June 29th 2007, and I’ll be always yours.

// Sara

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Tons of Rock, Halden, Norway 24/6 – 17: Part 2

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags amaranthe, carolus rex, sabaton, tons of rock on June 25, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

After she left, I headed up toward the hill again to watch the sunset and wait for Amaranthe to start. Linn and My surprisingly joined me after a while, before it was time for me to head down to the tent again.

Amaranthe

The tent was PACKED. Like, I know Amaranthe has had a lot of success, but this was crazy. I wasn’t really expecting to have the Delain kind of treatment, but perhaps Amaranthe should be on the mainstage the next time? I think so.

Right on time the intro started echoing in the speakers and they opened with “Maximize”. And of course, from the instant, my eyes are glued to Nils. I promise, I’m not a crazed fangirl, it’s just that, it’s so odd to see him perform on stage. You know he’s my favorite singer ever, so knowing I’ll be seeing him on a regular basis now is a weird thought.

“Boomerang” followed suite, and the band seemed to have a pretty good night! The energy from the crowd was… okay. I guess. I mean, I’ve seen better. Perhaps I should stop comparing nordic crowds to French or German, as they are always much more my cup of tea, but still. Better than at Delain, I guess that is something?

“Hunger” followed suit, and I’m not sure if I’ve ever mentioned it, but this went from being a song I really did not like with them, to one of my favorites. It’s something special about all of a sudden realizing that yeah, it’s not so good on the album, but then you realize what kind of a headbanging song it is, and you instantly fall in love.

“1.000.000 Lightyears” and “Fury” was the next songs on the list, and “Fury” you know… you can’t get enough from that song. Really. “On The Rocks” followed, my personal favorite off “Maximalism”, “The Nexus” was ripped off before it was time for some sing along or karaoke, or whatever you wanna call it with Elize for “Amaranthine”.

“Call Out My Name”, “Digital World” and “That Song” was fired off as the set left for it’s finale and they wrapped up the entire thing with “Drop Dead Cynical”.

It wasn’t exactly the best show I’ve ever seen with them, but it is also far from the worst. Perhaps I have simply seen them too much. I don’t know. I wasn’t a huge fan of “Maximalism” either so maybe it’s just this entire era. Huh.

Right after the show, I headed off to the bathrooms and then over to Sabatons stage. For arriving like ten minutes before it was about to start, I got some really good spots. Good visually, and I had a lot of space. My hair is a bit like a windmill, so, I kind of need it.

Sabaton

But, lets talk about something for a quick second here. The beauty of the stage I was seeing in front of me. I knew this was a special show – the Carolus Rex kind of special show, Swedish Empire and all of that, but I didn’t think so much about it until I got to the stage and saw it. The three crowns banner that clad Audie, the Swedish banners place here and there, and not to talk about the throne Carolus was about to sit upon later in the show. That’s when it REALLY hit me – this is going to special. And beyond epic.

And it started already at the intro. Instead of the usual “The March To War”, “Dominium Maris Baltici” served as the intro instead. It was a little… odd, because the intro was as quiet here as it is on the album, making it a little awkward. Probably some setting or so, but I guess I shouldn’t be complaining, considering that once Hannes and the rest of the boys were on stage – “Lejonet Från Norden” was the first song to be performed. All this time, I waited for this! For not having “Ghost Division” as the opener!

It was followed by Jocke talking a little bit, the only apparently he was allowed to talk during this special set, as they continued onwards with “Gott Mit Uns”. The energy from the crowd was pretty good. COULD be better, but hey, better than Graspop so I’m shutting up. “En Livstid i Krig” followed suit, and at this time at the show, it still felt like any other Sabaton show. It was first when the next song, “1648” started as it dawned upon me that no, this is not like any other Sabaton show.

“Karolinens Bön” was next, and as I had suspected a bit due to seeing the special show from Rockstad: Falun in a live stream, the caroleans marched onto the stage and took position during this song. Could this show get any better?

Sure it could, because in “Carolus Rex” Carolus himself comes on stage, we witness his coronation and he sits upon his throne. Like, very literally to the song, but oh my god. This is the Sabaton show of my dreams! “Ett Slag Färgat Rött” followed suit, and then “Poltava”.

After “Poltava”, the caroleans exited the stage and Carolus walked down toward the front in order to, well, look out over his land I guess. And that’s when it happened. A pyro shot off as a bullet that has been fired from a gun, and Carolus fell to the ground. “Konungens Likfärd” was the song the band played next, obviously, and the Caroleans came on stage and carried the fallen king out, “back to Sweden” so to put it.

Just as last time, “Ruina Imperii” was in fact not performed live, it simply served as an outro, and as back in Falun, the Caroleans fired off their weapons after the show, and then left the stage for good, for now.

I honestly thought the show was going to be over now, so mind my surprise when the WWII intro started on the screen, with the apropriate pyro and “Primo Victoria” started echoing. At least the crowd woke up a little bit by now, haha!

“Sparta” was next on the list, sadly not with all the theatrics, but if it’s festivals it is festivals I guess – “Swedish Pagans”, of course, because apparently you can never have a show with out this one – “Shiroyama”, “Winged Hussars” and “To Hell and Back” wrapped up the set before it was over.

Jocke asked the Caroleans back out on stage and introduced everyone, including “The Norwegian that shot him” haha. I love this band.

With that said, the show was over and everyone left the stage. And I was just standing there like, what the hell did I just witness. What did I just have the privilige to witness? I have no idea. I headed up toward the stage, and I was very very lucky to get a setlist from a very very kind crew member. I like setlists, but this setlist means so much to me because it was THIS show, you know?

After this, I headed out of the area, to fix the cashless card and pick up Linn, and then we went home right after.

Seriously, this day was so worth it. For Sabaton alone, but I also thank Delain and Amaranthe, Angelina, Linn and My for making it even better! Thank you all!

// Sara

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Tons of Rock, Halden, Norway 24/6 – 17: Part 1

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags delain, moonbathers, tons of rock on June 24, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So! It was the D-Day. I kind of decided of this festival very last minute. I thought about it for the longest of time, in fact, planned it for the longest of time but never got around to actually do anything about it – story of my life, if you like. You see, at this very festival, Tons of Rock, Sabaton was set to do their own very very special Carolus Rex set – and it was set to be even more special thinking about the fact that this is the very spot that Carolus was actually assassinated at. How amazing? Very amazing, if you ask me. But, the line up of the festival as a whole wasn’t very exciting, and I was lucky to see that the two other bands I desperately wanted to see did in fact play the exact same day as Sabaton. What a time to be alive.

Halden, however, isn’t very far from where I personally life, which makes about everything so much easier as I could simply hop in my car, drive there, and then drive home after the show. How convenient, huh? And it was a real nice drive. Nice weather, not a lot of traffic, easy roads until you get to Norway – Norway is kind of fucked up like that (unnskyld Hansi!). But gladly, I made it there. Once at Fredriksten, I was very happy to see it was good signs and easy to get around – I usually get very very anxious when I’m supposed to park, but it worked fine this time. Sort of anyone. Either way – I arrived about an hour and a half before Delain was set to start, which is a new good record for me – I tend to always end up a bit late, as you probably learned by now… So I’m proud of myself!

I wasn’t sure how to navigate at this place, but I figured I’d walk toward the magnificent fortress and by the camping and follow people and hope for the best. Halfway up the hill I feel someone coming from behind and it turns out it was Linn! I had almost forgotten she and her sister were there, so it was great to see her. She helped me find where to get my wristband and then we stood and chatted for a long time before I had to get inside in order not to miss Delain! It wasn’t a massive line, which made me very happy as it was easy to get in.

And this festival, the festival ground, is beautiful. It has a massive hill in the middle of it, and is right next to the fortress, or I should say, incorporated with it in fact. So beautiful, and so small actually! Delain was playing inside the tent, so I went there about 15 minutes before the show was about to start and I was glad to see I could in fact get to the front. Happy days!

Delain

Right on time – seriously, I love these bands that are on time. I remember so many years ago when I always had to complain about bands getting on stage way too late. But not anymore! Perhaps it’s because I changed musictaste? Who knows.

“The Monarch” started running as the intro, and the bandmembers sans Charlotte entered the stage and they started the show off with “Hands of Gold”. Charlotte came on stage with her new bright hair, and a beautiful black body with simple jeans. Seriously, this woman is a style icon. I will not deny that. I envied her look on the last tour, and even still now.

“Suckerpunch” was next song on the list, I’ve really grown to love this song, I will not deny that. “Get The Devil Out of Me” followed… And you know, the band was really good. They seemed to lack a little bit of energy, but I think I sort of have to blame that on a very very meh crowd. But they still killed it, believe me.

The very lovely, and beautiful “The Hurricane” – I guess you remember how much I actually love this song, I can’t… I can’t with Charlottes words you know. She knows exactly how to put my feelings into words. It’s like she reads my mind. “Fire with Fire” followed suit, and then “Mother Machine” and “Don’t Let Go” before they wrapped the entire set up with “We Are The Others”.

The band thanked for themselves, and walked off the stage. It was a good start on the day – and I guess this band isn’t all that big up here after all, seeing the small crowd and pretty meh crowd that showed up, but it’ll get better. The set was a bit short – but it was still good. Thank you Delain!

After this, I had pretty much no bands I wanted to see until Amaranthe which was set to perform right before Sabaton, so I strolled around a bit. At first I climbed the entire hill watching out over the festival and watching Airbourne on a distance. It was magnificent. This whole scenic place was just… beyond me. And then, I headed off to the merch instantly to pick up a Delain shirt – a lovely 3/4 sleeved shirt as well as a festival shirt – you know it’s mandatory. I met up with Linn and My who were watching Airbourne at the time, and spent the rest of the gig with them.

After the show was over, I stayed around for a while to catch up with Angelina, a good friend of mine I haven’t seen in ages. We proceeded to get something to eat, once she’d gotten down from the high – the high you get from watching your favorite band perform live. I know exactly the feeling, because that is me after every single Sabaton show. We went up the hill, sat down for hours and hours of talking and catching up about everything and nothing, and it was so good to see her again. We went down to the merch to catch up on a shirt for her from Airbourne, looked through the other stalls until it was time for her to leave. She’d only come here for Airbourne, so she wasn’t staying long.

We said our good byes, and she left.

TO BE CONTINUED

// Sara

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